Ecuador calls in army to protect and manage dams due to extreme drought
Extreme drought has caused electricity production problems in Ecuador. The country generates more than 60% of all its energy from hydroelectric plants, which are now standing still due to the drought. The president has already called in the army to ensure the protection and stable operation of water sources and power plants.
Due to the extreme drought that affected Ecuador this year, the local government decided to deploy the military to protect and manage the country's critically important water resources. This move is in response to the worst dry period in the past 61 years, where the water shortage was so severe that it endangered the operation of hydroelectric plants, which provide a significant portion of the nation's energy needs.
Ecuador is heavily dependent on hydropower. Production from hydroelectric plants covers more than 60% of its total electricity production. The significant drop in water levels in reservoirs forced the government to implement controlled power outages in an effort to reduce stress on the energy grid and ensure that the remaining water resources are managed as efficiently as possible. According to official government reports, water resources are under the supervision of military units, which not only protect key water facilities from potential threats but also participate in their maintenance.
The situation is so critical that President Daniel Noboa's government threatened further drastic measures if the drought continues. Ecuador faces not only an energy crisis but also the threat that water shortages will lead to losses in agriculture and the supply of drinking water for residents of both urban and rural areas.
International observers warn that Ecuador may face long-term impacts of climate change, which will lead to similar crises more frequently. Besides the direct effects on agricultural production and energy, the tourism sector, which is one of the key industries of the local economy, could also be affected.
President Noboa therefore emphasizes the need for long-term investments in the modernization of water management infrastructure and the development of renewable energy sources, so that the country is better prepared for similar situations in the future. The government is also negotiating with regional partners to share best practices for managing drought and ensuring greater energy stability.
Experts warn that without swift and coordinated action, the crisis could deepen, which would have far-reaching consequences for the entire South American country, otherwise known for its rich biodiversity and relatively stable climatic environment.
